The American Enterprise Institute’s Center on Opportunity and Social Mobility (COSM) seeks a driven, research-oriented intern for Spring 2025. The intern will work closely with COSM scholars and staff to research, identify, and promote policies that improve opportunity and mobility for low-income Americans. COSM scholars study the determinants of economic mobility and human flourishing in America through empirically driven and policy-informing research.

The COSM intern will interact with a variety of research and policy areas, including federal safety-net programs such as cash welfare, food assistance, and unemployment insurance; child welfare and the foster care system; trends in social capital in America; and determinants of economic mobility and human flourishing. This intern will be expected to retrieve and analyze datasets, assist with data-visualization projects, assist with producing a podcast, and perform other research tasks.

The ideal candidate is detail oriented, effective at communication, and interested in learning more about antipoverty and opportunity policy.

The start dates for the spring program are January 7 and January 14. While the AEI Internship Program and all related programming will take place in-person in Washington, DC this spring, virtual interns may be accepted on a case by case basis. Please include your preferred start date and note your in-person/virtual preference in your cover letter.  Please note that a cover letter and writing sample are both required, in order for your application to be considered complete.

About AEI Internships

AEI internships offer a unique opportunity for undergraduates, graduate students, and recent graduates to gain experience in research, writing, business, and communications at one of the nation’s leading think tanks. Competitive candidates will generally have a 3.4 GPA or higher from a top-ranking college or university. The AEI internship program runs 12 weeks. Please see the internship program home page for updates about the program.